SG Lewis steps into the spotlight on his ambitious double LP AudioLust & HigherLove

While the shift in intent has been hinted at with past cuts (“Fall”), the fifteen songs making up this project deliver a fully-fleshed vision of SG Lewis finally embracing the spotlight. His recent live shows have been revealing this newfound confidence too; Sam Lewis has moved closer to the front of global stages as his own voice has been featured more prominently on a fresh wave of thrilling tracks.

Although both new and familiar voices appear – Tove Lo lends him “Call On Me” from last year's Dirt Femme, while Channel Tres returns for “Fever Dreamer” alongside the sultry sounds of Charlotte Day Wilson – all collaborative efforts serve only to heighten the emotional impact of the overarching lust-versus-love thematic, as the record draws a line between the attitudes with its title and two-disc split. Distinct worlds are clearly defined, with the desire-driven first half sonically defined by moody bangers (“Infatuation,” “Missing You”), and it’s more wholesome and euphoric companion embracing a life of fulfilment (“Lifetime,” “Something About Your Love”).

Backed by the trust of his co-writers, SG Lewis’ residential writing sessions have enabled him to dive deeper and open up wider than ever before; if times sought to throw listeners onto the dancefloor where they could forget their worries, AudioLust & HigherLove tackles these lingering thoughts and concerns head-on. Addressing obsession and guilt as well as joy and honesty, a brave and honest analysis of his own hand lets Lewis bring his audience further into his brain than he has permitted previously.

This extension of his abilities comes as a result of deliberately abandoning any comfort zones in order to grow as a producer, writer and singer, but it’s hard to compare to past releases. Lewis isn’t trying to best himself here, but instead follows a creative trail which lies on fundamentally different roots than any other of his projects.

That being said, this is undeniably Lewis' most impressive work – offering a broad and colourful collection of songs that are refreshing and surprising as they are powerful and striking. Easily overlooking the occasional overindulgence, AudioLust & HigherLove offers no lacklustre moments to speak of. If you love the dancefloor and are willing to expand your tastes a little, this is the album you need to blast on repeat.